Shakuntala looking for Dushyanta
Shakuntala Looking for Dushyanta captures the mythological heroine Shakuntala as she feigns picking a thorn from her foot while secretly glancing for her beloved, King Dushyanta. Varma’s depiction reveals Shakuntala’s longing and innocence, brought to life by his use of vivid colors, detailed attire, and expressive body language. This timeless artwork remains one of Varma’s most celebrated representations of love, desire, and anticipation.
Late 19th Century
About the Artwork
The story of Shakuntala, as narrated in the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata and Kalidasa’s play Abhijnanasakuntalam, revolves around her love and marriage to King Dushyanta. Shakuntala’s character symbolizes grace, loyalty, and unspoken longing. In this artwork, Varma captures the moment when she yearns for a glimpse of Dushyanta, subtly revealing her emotions while pretending to attend to a trivial matter.
Shakuntala’s love story takes a tragic turn when she, due to a curse, is forgotten by Dushyanta. Her journey of separation, sorrow, and eventual reunion adds depth and poignancy to her character. Varma’s artistic depiction encapsulates the beginning of this journey—innocent and hopeful—before fate tests her resilience and love.
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Did You Know
Did you know that Shakuntala’s act of pretending to remove a thorn was a clever cover to discreetly look for Dushyanta? It symbolizes her playful nature and the innocence of first love.
Did you know that the story is heavily drawn from Kalidasa’s Abhijnanasakuntalam, which has been adapted into numerous plays and artworks, making it a cherished romantic tale across generations?
Did you know that Varma’s attention to detail in Shakuntala’s attire, posture, and surroundings reflects his dedication to blending Indian tradition with European artistic influences?
